What makes a country middle eastern?

i always wondered what makes a country middle eastern. is it a name we gave it to put together a similar ethnic looking group. i know the middle east is composed of southeastern europe, southwestern asia, and northern africa. at least i think. is it because they look similar? or what is it exactly? why isn't russian considered a middle eastern country along with european country, and asian country. what about india? india seems to be on the middle east of the world political map. it's like in the center of the eastern hemisphere. so what exactly makes a middle eastern country? and this is a serious question. thanks. and i'm sorry if i offend anyone